Tzatziki sauce is a form of dip that is originally from Greece and has a sharp taste that is a result of the yogurt used. This greek sauce recipe is perfect for a number of dishes; the sauce is made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and a touch of lemon. Although you can always buy ready-made tzatziki at the supermarket, there is nothing like homemade one and the control of the amount of garlic used. In this guide, we will show you how to prepare real tzatziki with the help of ingredients and techniques as well as talk about possible variations. Regardless of whether you are preparing food for a party, or simply wish to incorporate Mediterranean flavors into your dish, then this is something that you should consider.

What is Tzatziki? Understanding the Basics of this Greek Sauce

The History and Tradition of Tzatziki in Greek Cuisine

Tzatziki sauce is of Greek and Mediterranean origin and is usually used as a side dish to grilled meats or bread or as a dip. Historically, the tzatziki was made to accompany high cholesterol foods that were common in the Greek cuisine since the condiment had a cool sensation on the palate. It is a beloved product in Greece and the sauce is a part of most Greek families kitchen, and it can be found in almost all tavernas. Although tzatziki has changed over time and has regional variations, the idea of the dish is still relevant and has not changed, thus retaining its Greek roots. This popular Greek sauce recipe remains one of our most liked ones for it is easy to prepare and can accompany different dishes.

Key Ingredients for Making Authentic Tzatziki

The preparation of homemade tzatziki involves just a few ingredients and all of them are important in the preparation of the sauce. Tzatziki sauce is made of thick strained yogurt that gives the sauce a creamy texture as well as a sour taste. Cucumber make the sauce more crispy and refreshing while garlic enhances the taste of the sauce. Lemon juice or vinegar should be used for the purpose of adding a little more acidity to the dish whereas olive oil makes it richer. Besides, fresh dill or mint is added but this is not obligatory as it is added just for the taste.

Health Benefits of Tzatziki Sauce

Not only does tzatziki sauce taste great, but it provides some benefits to the health of a person. The yogurt offers the body with probiotics, which is good for digestion while the cucumber offers the body with water soluble vitamins. Tzatziki is also low in calories and contains a lot of olive oil which makes it a healthy dish to incorporate in ones diet.

How to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Yogurt The Base of Tzatziki

The foundation of any decent homemade tzatziki is the Greek yogurt that you are going to use. When making tzatziki, it is recommended that you use full fat strained Greek yogurt as it has the right texture of the sauce. If youre using normal yogurt, then it is advisable to drain it using a cheesecloth for some few hours to eliminate water. It also ensures that your tzatziki is not overly wet which makes it not to be as thick as it should be. Once the yogurt is ready, pour it to a mixing bowl and leave it aside while preparing the other ingredients.

Grating and Preparing the Cucumber for Tzatziki

The next ingredient to prepare in making the tzatziki sauce is the cucumber. To begin with, it is required to take a fresh cucumber and peel it followed by grating it. After grating, it is recommended that a little salt be sprinkled over the cucumber, and allowed to stand for roughly 10 minutes. This aids in squeezing out any extra moisture which would otherwise make your tzatziki wet. After that, put the cucumber aside and make it rest for some time then press them using kitchen towel or cheesecloth to drain the liquid.

Mixing Ingredients for the Perfect Tzatziki Flavor

Now that your yogurt and cucumber are prepared, it is the right time to combine all the components. To the yogurt in the mixing bowl, transfer the cucumber after it has been drained and add minced garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. If you prefer an herbal touch add chopped fresh dill or mint. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on it and stir until the ingredients are well incorporated. Leave the tzatziki in the fridge for about 30 minutes so that all the ingredients settle properly.

Tzatziki Sauce Variations: Experimenting with Flavors

Adding Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor

The herbs used in the preparation of tzatziki sauce are normally dill and mint, but you can try other fresh herbs. One can try adding parsley or cilantro to it or even add a slight touch of basil to make it more special. Seasoning the sauce with herbs is another way of brightening up the sauce as well as making it unique for various dishes. It is also possible to use a combination of herbs if you want to combine tastes. These variations suggest the possibilities to make homemade tzatziki as diverse as you want it to be.

Spicy Tzatziki A Twist on the Classic Recipe

For those who would love to have their foods with some spices, you can add some chillies to your tzatziki sauce. To give the more piquant version of the classic recipe, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red chili flakes or some finely chopped fresh chili. This is a great combination because the yogurt is cold against the heat which makes the food quite balanced in terms of taste. This is a tasty greek sauce which is hot in spice but great with grilled meats and vegetables and served with bread.

Conclusion

It is very simple to prepare homemade tzatziki which is a delicious Greek yoghurt cucumber salad. The combination of cool and somewhat tangy taste of yogur and the smoothness of cucumbers makes tzatziki a perfect accompaniment to numerous dishes, or a part of appetizers. Regardless of which types of ingredients you decide to use when preparing your tzatziki sauce, it is certain that it will be a definite hit in your home. Try using this simple Greek sauce recipe in your meals and discover the health advantages of real Mediterranean cuisine.